Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Saginaw, MI
Cooks in Saginaw, MI, can expect an average annual salary of $34,390. This figure is slightly below the national average of $37,700, a common trend in areas with a cost of living that aligns with the national benchmark. Local economic factors and the specific demand within Saginaw's culinary scene influence this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $34,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $42,860.
- Outlook: Saginaw's restaurant cook market shows a stable presence with a total local workforce of 690 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.92 suggests that the concentration of cooks in Saginaw is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these professionals within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Saginaw, MI earns-8.8%below the national average.
$16.5
$661
$2,866
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Saginaw's cook salaries isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, inflation, and evolving labor market dynamics typically contribute to modest salary growth for roles like restaurant cooks, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and attract talent.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Saginaw, MI
Career progression for cooks in Saginaw, MI, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned chefs with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,930 | $13.9 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $25,793 | $12.4 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $35,310 | $17 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $42,988 | $20.7 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $42,860 | $20.6 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$34,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$34,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $34,390 in Saginaw, MI, aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a cook's salary in Saginaw is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal pay is slightly lower than the national average, it is balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
690
Total Jobs
8.675
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Saginaw, MI has 0.92x the national average concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.92, Saginaw, MI, presents a job market for cooks that is closely aligned with national employment concentrations. This indicates a competitive but stable environment where the number of available positions is proportionate to the number of workers in the field, suggesting steady opportunities for skilled individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bay City, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,640↓ 5% | 12 mi |
| Midland, MI Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $35,080↑ 2% | 20 mi |
| Mid Michigan nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,880↓ 4% | 30 mi |
| Southern Michigan nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $32,870↓ 4% | 30 mi |
| Northern Michigan nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,260↓ 3% | 30 mi |
Comparing salaries near Saginaw, MI
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Saginaw, MI?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Saginaw, MI is $34,390. This typically ranges from $28,930 for entry-level positions to $42,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Saginaw, MI is 8.8% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Saginaw, MI a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative, but stable.The average salary of $34,390 is below the national average, but the Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings have average purchasing power locally.
Is Saginaw, MI a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Saginaw, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Saginaw, MI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bay City, MI ($32,640) and Midland, MI.
How does Saginaw's cook salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for cooks in Saginaw, MI, is $34,390, which is approximately $3,310 less than the national average of $37,700.
What is the concentration of cooks in Saginaw compared to the rest of the US?
Saginaw has a Location Quotient of 0.92 for cooks, indicating that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
How many cooks are employed in Saginaw, MI?
There are approximately 690 cooks employed in Saginaw, MI, representing about 8.675 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Does the cost of living in Saginaw affect the cook's salary?
Saginaw's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the slightly lower-than-average salary of $34,390 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 690 employees in the Saginaw, MI area with a job density of 8.675 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Saginaw, MI